Former Diamondback Brandon Webb to retire

Brandon Webb last pitched in a Major League Baseball game on Opening Day in 2009.

The ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks' staff, Webb had been an All-Star three times and won the NL Cy Young Award in 2006.

The right-hander got shelled that afternoon, allowing six earned runs in just four innings of work. He walked two and struck out two.

It was learned soon after that Webb had problems with his shoulder, and what followed was a lengthy and fruitless rehab process that never led to the pitcher returning to the mound in a big league game.

And now, as reported by ESPN.com baseball writer Jerry Crasnick , instead of continuing to throw towels in hopes of healing, Webb is throwing in the towel on his MLB career.

Webb hangs up the cleats with a record of 87-62 with a 3.27 ERA. He pitched 1,319.2 innings, allowing 1,200 hits and 435 walks. He struck out 1,065 batters and tallied eight career shutouts.

Webb ranks third on the D-backs' all-time list in ERA and is second in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, games started and shutouts.